BAFTA Jury Member Quits Over Handling of Tourette’s Tic at Film Awards: “Utterly Unforgivable”

Hollywood Reporter

by Lily Ford

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The BAFTA Film Awards were thrown into chaos after a controversial incident involving John Davidson, a Tourette’s Syndrome sufferer who shouted a racial slur during the ceremony. Filmmaker Jonte Richardson, a BAFTA jury member, announced his resignation in response to the organization's handling of the situation. Richardson criticized BAFTA for failing to protect the dignity of Black guests and the broader creative community, calling the incident "utterly unforgivable." He emphasized that remaining involved with BAFTA would condone its behavior, particularly given its history of systemic racism. The incident occurred when Davidson, whose life inspired the film *I Swear*, was introduced to the audience. His Tourette’s tics, which include involuntary movements and sounds, were explained to attendees beforehand. However, a racial slur was shouted during the presentation of the award for best visual effects, involving Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. BAFTA and the BBC apologized for not cutting the slur from the broadcast in time. While BAFTA defended Davidson’s presence at the ceremony, Richardson argued that the organization’s failure to address the harm caused to Black and disabled communities was unacceptable. Richardson’s statement highlighted the broader implications of the incident, calling for greater inclusivity and accountability within entertainment organizations. He urged BAFTA leadership to acknowledge the damage done and take steps to prevent similar issues in the future. The controversy has sparked discussions about systemic racism and the treatment of individuals with disabilities in the entertainment industry, underscoring the need for more inclusive practices.

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/24/2026